When I stepped into the grand hall, conversations faltered. Heads turned. I felt the weight of their stares, heavy and uncomfortable. Some looked at me with sympathy, others with curiosity, and a few with open judgment. Whispers rippled through the room like quiet waves.
Everyone knew.
The rejected bride.
The Luna-to-be who was never claimed.
The daughter of the wealthy Moonveil Pack who had been used, then cast aside when she was no longer useful.
Even so, I straightened my shoulders and walked forward with quiet dignity. My silver gown shimmered softly beneath the chandeliers, catching the light with every step. I carried myself with the pride of my lineage, refusing to let them see the cracks forming beneath my calm expression.
At the center of the hall stood Alpha Xavier, commanding attention as always. His arm rested comfortably around Victoria’s waist. She wore a crimson dress that hugged her figure, her smile bright and triumphant. She looked like she owned everything around her.
And perhaps she did—at least, she owned what used to be mine.